CHICAGO – Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus joined the governor at a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday to commemorate the end of construction on Chicago’s Jane Byrne Interchange.

“The ability to transport people and goods has long been a strength that set Illinois apart,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “The ability to finally wrap up this project after so many delays is a testament to a new leadership in our state that is focused on getting things done and moving Illinois forward. I want to thank the thousands of skilled trade workers who brought this project to conclusion. And I want to thank everyone involved at the local, state and federal level for recognizing this project as a priority, seeing it through and finally making this transportation gateway to our future a reality. And I especially want to thank the motoring public who patiently put up with nearly a decade’s worth of construction delays to get us to this point.”

The Jane Byrne Interchange serves more than 400,000 commuters each day, connecting I-90/94, I-290 and downtown. Construction began in 2013 and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Rebuilding and expanding the interchange saw 35 separate projects over the course of nine years that aim to reduce congestion, expand access to transit in neighboring areas, and improve bridges and cross streets. More than $800 million in state and federal investments went into rebuilding the Jane Byrne.

CHICAGO – Members of the Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force held a press conference Tuesday at the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois facility to increase awareness around prevention and treatment of the disease that affects 37 million Americans.

"Kidney disease is of the utmost importance here in Illinois. An estimated 1.4 million Illinoisans are affected and only around 177,000 of them are aware of it,” said National Kidney Foundation of Illinois CEO Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop. “Raised awareness and early detection of chronic kidney disease and its risk factors — including diabetes and hypertension — can help prevent the disease from developing or progressing."

Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States, with uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure as the leading causes. Black Americans are four times more likely to develop kidney disease.

Updates include changes to meal and rest break requirements, employer penalties

SPRINGFIELD – As the New Year is fast approaching, employers should be aware of the new changes that have been made to the One Day Rest in Seven Act thanks to State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago).

“The One Day Rest in Seven Act is crucial for the protection of employees’ wellbeing,” said Senator Celina Villanueva. “It is important to make sure that employees know that when they need an additional break from working longer hours, that they can take one without being penalized. This will allow employees to perform at a higher rate without feeling as overwhelmed.”

The One Day Rest in Seven Act gives workers the right to a day of rest every workweek and breaks for meals or rest during daily work shifts. Originally, the law mandated a minimum of 24 hours of rest per calendar week. This will change to 24 hours of rest per seven-consecutive-day period. This means that any employee who works for six consecutive days, the law now covers them on day seven, even if those six days do not align with a Sunday through Saturday workweek. For instance, if an employee starts working in the middle of the week on a Wednesday and works six days straight, on the 7^th day they are allowed to rest without being penalized by their employer.

EVANSTON – To address ongoing issues concerning public health inequities in disenfranchised communities, State Senator Mike Simmons announced that he has secured $1 million in state funding for the replacement of lead pipes in South Evanston.

“For too long, lead in our drinking water has exposed our neighbors to adverse health effects, further building on the inequities our communities face. We have to get focused on this, we can’t make any excuses when it comes to lead pipes,” said Simmons (D-Chicago).  “This funding provides long overdue resources to address a problem that is systemic in nature, is decades in the making, and often does the most damage to Black and Brown communities like those who call South Evanston home.”

Simmons was joined by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Evanston’s 8th Ward Alderman Devon Reid for the announcement. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health there were almost 680,000 reported community lead service lines in the Illinois water systems in 2019. In Evanston there are almost 11,500 which need to be addressed.

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter is encouraging eligible agencies to apply for a $2.8 million grant opportunity to secure transitional housing services for survivors of crimes. The grant program, administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, offers assistance to public agencies and non-profit organizations that provide survivors safety, independence and stable housing.

“Millions of Illinoisans have experienced some form of domestic violence or victimization, and do not have a safe place to live,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This grant opportunity will help connect survivors with housing security and other resources needed to feel safe again.”

Survivors of violence face significant barriers to accessing services like shelter, food, clothing, secure housing, utilities, income and legal protection. Thanks to funding provided under the Victims of Crimes Act, assistance is available to organizations that offer crime survivor services. VOCA is supported with fines paid by those convicted of violating federal laws and must be used to provide direct services to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and other underserved survivors of crime.

Remembering the life and legacy of Senator Scott Bennett

It is with deep sadness that the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus shares the devastating news of the passing of their friend and colleague State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign).
“I was devastated to learn of the death of Senator Scott Bennett,” said Senate President Don Harmon. “My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his wife Stacy and their children during this unimaginably difficult time.”
At this time, the family has requested no flowers or plants. The family will name a charity organization to send donations to honor his memory in the coming days.

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Senate President Don Harmon's (D-Oak Park) statement on Senator Bennett's death:

“I was devastated today to learn of the death of Senator Scott Bennett.

“My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his wife Stacy and their children during this unimaginably difficult time.

“I ask the media and others to respect their privacy.”

(At this time, the family has requested no flowers and plants. The family will name a charity organization to send donations to honor his memory in the coming days.)

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is set to receive over $350 million in federal funding to help support and revitalize small businesses across the state.

The $354.6 million awarded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative will help administer four programs to support small businesses.

The programs allow Illinois to help small businesses across the state attract more capital investment and expand or launch business operations. Access to funding and capital can be especially difficult for small businesses owned by women and people of color. The federal funding allows Illinois to greater support these businesses and their owners.